March 31, 2010 is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day in Topeka, KS

So tonight we went and accepted the proclamation that March 31, 2010 is CDH Awareness Day. We got to the meeting, we said a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, and then the mayor asked us to come up and accept the proclamation. He read the proclamation and then asked us to say a few words. I think I got three words in before I started crying. I had everything written out in my head about what I was going to say and how I was going to say it, and then the tears came and I forgot everything! I felt like I stumbled over all of my words and I have to say I am a little disappointed in myself. I really wanted to be clear and say everything that I wanted to say, but the emotions just got the best of me. In the end, everything that I had to say came from my heart, and if that's the best that I can do, then I am okay with that. I even had some of the council members tearing up at MJ's story.

As always, Will, entertained the crowd trying to grab at the microphone and smiling and cheesing it up for the mayor. I was able to smile and laugh because of him. I am very thankful for both of my boys, and I really couldn't be more proud of each of them.

Me talking and trying to keep Will from grabbing the microphone!

I did get to meet a CDH grandparent in CDH survivor Kinley's mom! And her coworker, Nancy, who made a donation to our Project Sweet Pea! Thank you guys so much!!!

Overall, I am so happy that we were able to do this. It was a great experience and it meant a lot to me to be able to bring some awareness to CDH and talk a little about MJ. There is nothing more in this world that I love doing then talking about my sons! I didn't think it would be as emotional as it was, but things always seem to turn out that way!